Prospect Ramblings

Catching you up on prospects moved or being shopped at the NHL trade deadline...plus some highlights from the prospect world.

Monday, March 1st, 2015

With Austin Wallace’s head buried in his textbooks preparing for his midterms (aka, watching “TradeCentre”) the two of us are swapping ramblings days so you’re stuck with me today covering Trade Deadline action.

While the focus will remain on prospects, I may feel inclined to spew out some opinions on deals that go down as well.

Touching on Yesterday’s mini-blockbuster with Arizona trading defenseman Keith Yandle to the Rangers for promising speedster Anthony Duclair, defenseman John Moore, New York’s 1st round pick in 2016 and a 2nd in 2015. This exemplifies a great hockey trade for two teams headed in two different directions. It also marks

March 2015 - The Ducks have traded William Karlsson, along with Rene Bourque and a 2015 2nd round pick, to Columbus for James Wisniewski and a 3rd round pick (2015). Brendan Ross

January 2015 - Karlsson has been struggling in his AHL stint, highlighted by only four points in 12 December games. He'll need to spend some more time refining his game, but don't be discouraged as his vision and skill package will be worth the wait. -Kevin Won

November 2014 - William Karlsson has been sent back to the AHL. He's been struggling on the big club as of late and the emergence of Rickard Rakell as a regular as well as the acquisition of Rene Bourque, Karlsson became the odd man out. Look for him to further his development in the AHL and hopefully gain some confidence by putting up some points. Kevin Won

October 2014 - William Karlsson has really stepped up his play as of late in training camp and seems to be battling Rickard Rakell for the third-line center position on the Anaheim Ducks this season. With Koivu retiring, a spot has freed up and these two prospects are among the leading contenders to grab this spot. Keep your eye on Karlsson; if he can make it to the big team, his value will rise quickly. Kevin Won

March 2014 - Karlsson is currently leading HV71 in points with 35 in 52 games in the SHL. As he continues to develop, look for him to cross over to North American in one or two years. Karlsson has a great mix of offensive skill and defensive awareness and will prove to be a strong asset for the Anaheim Ducks moving forward. Kevin Won

March 2013 - Karlsson still needs to bulk up and will continue to play in the SEL for 2013-14. I wouldn't be shocked if he flirted with a point-per-game for HV71 next season...Showing steady improvement. Dobber

April 2012 - Most years when looking out of the first round and early second round there are few forwards with high offensive upside. Sweden’s William Karlsson has the tools to beat that expectation. Karlsson has nifty hands, good offensive instincts and can perform game-changing moves at high speeds on occasion. He is also a decent defensive player, making him an intriguing all-round prospect. The main knock on Karlsson as a fantasy option is that he will take time to crack the Anaheim roster and gain a meaningful role. Size is a smaller issue for Karlsson, who is a little light. Karlsson has put up great numbers in Sweden in the Allsvenskan, Sweden’s second league below the Elitserien. Karlsson will test stronger competition next season with HV71 of the Elitserien where he is signed through 2013-2014. Patience is the key to Karlsson and he could pay big dividends eventually. Kevin Won

Prospect Ramblings

Catching you up on prospects moved or being shopped at the NHL trade deadline...plus some highlights from the prospect world.

Monday, March 1st, 2015

With Austin Wallace’s head buried in his textbooks preparing for his midterms (aka, watching “TradeCentre”) the two of us are swapping ramblings days so you’re stuck with me today covering Trade Deadline action.

While the focus will remain on prospects, I may feel inclined to spew out some opinions on deals that go down as well.

Touching on Yesterday’s mini-blockbuster with Arizona trading defenseman Keith Yandle to the Rangers for promising speedster Anthony Duclair, defenseman John Moore, New York’s 1st round pick in 2016 and a 2nd in 2015. This exemplifies a great hockey trade for two teams headed in two different directions. It also marks